SPACE - No 61 - 1962 01

Magazine Overview

Title: S. P. A. C. E.
Issue: Bulletin No. 61
Date: January 1962
Publisher: Published Monthly from Coral Gables, Florida
Editor: Norbert F. Gariety

This issue of S.P.A.C.E. (Saucer Phenomena and Celestial Enigma) delves into various unexplained phenomena, with a strong emphasis on UFO sightings and a concurrent focus on anti-communist viewpoints. The magazine questions the definition of 'proof' for UFOs, citing Captain Edward J. Ruppelt's perspective on the Air Force's lack of physical evidence.

UFO Sightings and Investigations

Chadron, Nebraska Incident

The lead story details a mysterious incident on the Theodore Goff farm near Chadron, Nebraska, on November 8, 1961. A strange flying object reportedly left behind threadlike, metallic fibers. Despite initial efforts to preserve them, the fibers disappeared, attributed to wind and weather. Goff expressed skepticism about official explanations and noted that the Air Force had not contacted him. Reports from duck hunters and C.F. Coffee of Chadron corroborated seeing similar strands in the Sandhills area and on the Alliance golf course around the same time. An unconfirmed report suggested a similar occurrence in Georgia two days prior.

Omak, Washington Sighting

On December 3, 1961, students in a sixth-grade class in Omak, Washington, reported seeing a silver flying object moving across the western sky. The object disappeared quickly, leaving the students with visions of rockets and spacemen.

Cincinnati, Ohio UFO Reports

In early January 1962, Cincinnati, Ohio, experienced a rash of reports concerning a large, greenish unidentified flying object. Some witnesses claimed the object appeared to have landed. Leonard Stringfield, investigating for the Air Force, suggested the 'landing' might have been an optical illusion. Reports came from Indian Hill, Clifton, and Erlanger, Kentucky, as well as Columbus, Ohio. Control towers at local airports reported no unusual activity. The Air Force later released a statement suggesting that many of these sightings, particularly in Eastern Ohio, were likely meteorites as the Earth passed through a meteor belt.

Witness Descriptions from Cincinnati

Carl Grasham of College Hill, Cincinnati, described a huge, bright green fireball, round with no tail, but with white sparks at the end, traveling at high speed from east to west. He believed it was not a meteor, as he had seen many large meteors before, which typically have flaming tails.

Charles Klug of Northwestern Cincinnati reported a stationary, bluish-green, star-like object that changed colors and was visible for 5 to 8 minutes. He observed it while driving home.

"Flying Saucer" Project Grounded

An Associated Press report from Washington D.C. on December 27, 1961, stated that America's 'flying saucer' project had been grounded. The Army and Air Force intended to cease spending the remaining funds, with over $7.5 million earmarked for the project. The decision was attributed to the high cost of new missiles and weapons, and the anticipated development of the flying saucer was not progressing as quickly as expected. Wind tunnel tests indicated the need for many changes, including a vehicle that would ride on an air cushion rather than wheels.

Burns, Oregon Sighting

On Tuesday evening, Chris Palmer of Burns, Oregon, witnessed an object resembling a gigantic rocket with a fiery tail rising from the southern horizon. He and neighbors observed it heading west, reaching an altitude of 22 degrees, before abruptly dropping from sight. The timing coincided with a report from West Coast Airline of an object sighted near Boise, Idaho.

Anti-Communist Stance and Commentary

"Training Needed" by Alice Widener

This section features an article by Alice Widener, publisher of U.S.A. Magazine, emphasizing the need for trained individuals and units in the U.S. Army and, more critically, in the White House, State Department, civilian-side Pentagon, and Supreme Court. Widener argues that 'raw recruits' with 'soft, half-baked ADA ideas' are ill-equipped to combat communism. She criticizes perceived appeasement policies, such as negotiating with 'neutralists' and providing aid to leaders like Nehru and Tito, and highlights instances of what she views as misguided decisions, such as the proposed liberation invasion of Cuba without air cover.

The "Commibuts"

The magazine introduces the term "Commibuts" to describe individuals who claim not to be Communists but express sympathy for certain communist ideals or equate fascism with communism. The article warns readers to analyze material carefully and recommends books like J. Edgar Hoover's "MASTERS OF DECEIT" and others on communism.

Herbert A. Philbrick's Testimony

Herbert A. Philbrick, a former undercover FBI agent, provides testimony regarding communist propaganda targeting youth. He explains the concept of "transmission belts" – communist-front organizations that disguise subversive propaganda under new labels like "American Youth for Democracy." Philbrick criticizes the "double talk" used by "Mistaken forces" (communists), who speak of peace and democracy while meaning totalitarian control and the subversion of youth.

Critique of Newsweek

Philbrick condemns a Newsweek article for what he deems "irresponsible journalism," specifically for linking individuals like Dr. Fred Schwarz and Dr. George Benson with figures like Fritz Kuhn and Gerald L. K. Smith. As a result, Philbrick announces that Newsweek will be removed from sale at his store, and a secondary boycott will be initiated against advertised products.

"Mistaken" Drive on Youth

The magazine details the ongoing communist efforts to subvert youth globally. The Un-American Activities Committee of the U.S. House of Representatives is highlighted for its awareness and investigation of these activities. Committee Chairman Francis E. Walter is quoted explaining the communist tactic of equating investigations of communist activities with investigations of youth, labor, or education to create a smokescreen.

Other Articles and Commentary

Loch Ness Monster Discussion

An article reprinted from the British Flying Saucer Review discusses the Loch Ness Monster. It addresses the argument that unreliable eyewitness accounts of the monster are used to discredit UFO sightings. The author, Denys W. Tucker, D.Sc., argues that the case against orthodox science applies equally to UFOs and criticizes the timidity of zoologists and "experts" in investigating such phenomena. The article notes the positive evidence for flying saucers is stronger than that for the Loch Ness Monster.

Postal Rate Increase and Communist Propaganda

The issue notes a change in postal regulations, increasing the return postage rate. It criticizes the administration for simultaneously allowing communist propaganda to enter the U.S. free of charge, contrasting this with the postal rate increase for regular mail.

Cat Walks 100 Miles

A brief anecdote from Kimberley, South Africa, tells of a pet cat that walked 100 miles to find its owners' new home, a feat that astounded scholars.

Fish Suicide Complex Ends

Reports from Sydney, Australia, indicate that a mysterious phenomenon causing fish to hurl themselves to death along the coast had suddenly ended.

Why Contacts Are So Few

An explanation from the Space Administration suggests that the shock of discovering intelligent alien life could cause a collapse of civilization. It also posits that superior alien intelligences might choose to have minimal contact with humans, making the infrequency of encounters a reason for skepticism about UFOs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of SPACE magazine are UFO sightings and the investigation of unexplained aerial phenomena. Intertwined with these are strong anti-communist sentiments, a critique of perceived liberal or "intellectual" media, and a defense of the magazine's editorial policy. The publication positions itself as a source of "straight thinking" and "Pro-American" reporting, aiming to strengthen readers' loyalty to the American way of life. The editor encourages readers to submit interesting UFO reports and items, while also expressing a willingness to engage with controversial topics like the Loch Ness Monster and the threat of communism.